The Support Necessary to Succeed

I haven’t lacked for support throughout my career. My wife has been an amazing source of that, particularly in the last year and a half of job instability, income unpredictability and other trials. My bosses and supervisors have always been great, helping me when I needed it and offering guidance even when I didn’t feel it was necessary.

In fact, I’m hardpressed to think of a specific instance when I didn’t feel as if one of those parties, if not both of them, didn’t have my back. Even if things weren’t working out exactly as planned, there was the assurance that I was supported in my decisions and circumstances.

That’s obviously something not everyone can say and I’ll count myself as #blessed because I can. Everyone needs someone who will not only encourage them and love or otherwise back them whatever the situation. Sometimes it’s the only thing that cuts through the crippling anxiety that threatens to send me permanently under my desk in the fetal position.

No matter how things have played out for me, especially in the last 18 months, I can’t say that any of the issues I’ve had have been caused or amplified by a lack of support. That’s just not the case.

Chris Thilk is a freelance writer and content strategist who lives in the Chicago suburbs.